Did the Ottomans see UFOs? An 1838 Ottoman document about unusual celestial phenomenon
Date
2019
Authors
Editor(s)
Advisor
Supervisor
Co-Advisor
Co-Supervisor
Instructor
Source Title
Etudes Balkaniques
Print ISSN
0324-1645
Electronic ISSN
2534-8574
Publisher
Institut d’Études balkaniques & Centre de Thracologie
Volume
55
Issue
1
Pages
106 - 117
Language
English
Type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Series
Abstract
The paper deals with an Ottoman document preserved in the Oriental Department of Sts. Cyril and Methodius National Library in Sofia. The document reveals that in October 1838 a heavy storm broke over in the night, followed by appearance of a round-shaped bright light. It illuminated the whole horizon and afterwards broke into pieces that fell down on the earth. The unusual celestial phenomenon was observed by the Ottoman soldiers camping nearby Mardin as well as the locals. They reported the case to the sultan, who was informed also of the opinion of the local men of religion, whose interpretation associated the phenomenon with a divine sign of forthcoming military victories.